Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What types of canopies do you manufacture?

  We offer an extensive range including bespoke canopies, cantilever canopies, patio canopies, commercial canopies, glass canopies, solar canopies, and school canopies. Each type is engineered for specific applications, from residential garden spaces to large commercial installations. We also manufacture specialist education solutions including playground canopies, nursery canopies, and outdoor classroom canopies. You can explore our full range alongside our verandas and carports to find the perfect outdoor structure solution.

• 2. How do you ensure canopies are safe in all weather conditions?

  Every canopy we design is calculated for your specific location’s wind and snow loadings using your postcode. We believe we are unique in this for domestic openside structures.  This ensures the structure is safe and fit for purpose in your local conditions. Our canopies have been installed in some of the UK’s most challenging environments, from areas prone to hurricane-force winds to regions with extreme snowfall. Where required, we supply removable snow posts for additional support during heavy snowfall periods. This rigorous approach applies across our entire range including glass canopies, cantilever canopies, patio canopies, commercial canopies, school canopies, and extends to our carports and verandas. You can see examples of our weather-tested installations in our projects across the UK.

• 3. What materials do you use for canopy construction?

  We use only the highest quality materials including structural-grade aluminium sections many of which have been designed by 123v, toughened safety glass where applicable, GRP (Glass-Reinforced Polyester) for certain applications, and powder-coated finishes for weather resistance. Our GRP translucent roofing materials let through 85% of daylight whilst providing UV protection. All materials are chosen for their durability in the UK climate and are manufactured to industrial standards.

• 4. Can you create canopies in specific colours?

  Yes, we offer canopies in white, grey and brown as standard colours, with any special RAL colours available upon request. This flexibility allows us to match your existing property colours or create a striking contrast as desired. The powder-coating process ensures colours remain vibrant and weather-resistant for years to come.

• 5. What's the difference between cantilever and traditional canopies?

  Cantilever canopies project from a wall without requiring ground-based support posts, making them ideal where posts would be impractical or obstruct vehicle or pedestrian access. A cantilever canopy can also fit to posts on one side where a wall is not suitable. Traditional canopies use posts for additional support, allowing for greater spans and different loading capacities. Our team will recommend the best solution based on your specific requirements and site conditions. We have a full range of products allowing spans of up to 13M depending on site conditions. 

• 6. How do you handle drainage on canopies?

  All our canopies include integrated guttering systems designed to handle UK rainfall effectively. We can connect to existing drainage systems or provide standalone solutions. Our end-trim gutters are designed in-house to channel water efficiently whilst maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the structure. Proper drainage is crucial for longevity and is best fitted as standard in all installations.

• 7. What makes your bespoke canopies special?

  Our bespoke canopies are completely custom-designed to your exact requirements. Whether you need unusual shapes, specific dimensions, or particular aesthetic features, our design and manufacturing capabilities allow us to create unique solutions. Recent examples include custom canopies for Ferrari storage and irregular-shaped installations requiring 3D AutoCAD drawings for precision manufacturing. This bespoke approach extends across our entire range, including glass verandas, commercial canopies, cantilever carports, and school shelters. You can see examples of our custom work in our project gallery.

• 8. Do you offer solar-powered canopies?

  Yes, we’ve been offering solar canopies since 2016. These incorporate solar panels into the canopy structure, generating renewable energy whilst providing shelter. The solar panels can be integrated into glass designs that still allow light through, or as dedicated solar arrays. The panels we use a Bifacial so will charge from both sides. This makes them an environmentally responsible and potentially VAT-free investment.

• 9. What's included in your installation service?

  We provide a complete turnkey solution for the structure, including free site surveys, structural calculations, planning and building regulation support when required, manufacture, delivery, and professional installation. Our teams are fully trained and work to strict health and safety standards under ISO45001. Installation times vary by project size, but most residential canopies are completed within 1-3 days with minimal disruption. This comprehensive service extends across all our products including glass verandas, cantilever carports, lean-to carports, freestanding carports, playground canopies, and commercial installations. Contact us to arrange your free survey.

• 10. How long do your canopies last?

  Our canopies are built to last decades. We offer a 10-year guarantee on all installations, and our sheeting has a lifetime of 30 years. We’ve been installing canopies since the 1990s, and many of our early installations are still performing excellently today. The combination of quality materials, proper engineering, and professional installation ensures your canopy will provide reliable service for many years.